How to roll back MIUI 11 by 10 on Xiaomi Redmi: step-by-step algorithm of actions

Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often face a situation where, after a scheduled operating system update, the device starts to work unstable, system errors appear, the battery quickly dies or the usual functions that were in the previous version of the shell disappear, in which case the only reasonable way out is to return to an earlier, proven build of MIUI 10, which is technically complex and requires careful attention, as it involves interference with the system partition of memory.

Before you start to directly downgrade (rollback), you need to understand all the risks. rollback of the Android version (for example, from 10 to 9) on most modern Xiaomi models is impossible without an unlocked bootloader and specific patches, whereas rollback only the MIUI version (from 11 to 10) when saving the Android version often passes by standard means. It is important to clearly understand the difference between simple flashing and deep cleaning of partitions, since erroneous actions can lead to a “brick” of the device.

This guide describes the techniques that are relevant to most Redmi Note, Redmi and Mi models released during the period of popularity of these shells. We will look at two main ways: through the built-in update menu and through the Fastboot mode using your computer.

Preparation of the device and verification of version compatibility

The first step is careful preparation, without which the process can fail.You need to make sure that the firmware version you plan to install is fully consistent with your device model.Installing global firmware on the Chinese version of the smartphone (or vice versa) without first unlocking the bootloader will lead to a signature verification error.

Make sure to back up all your important data. When you roll back your system from a newer version to an older full reset (Wipe Data) is a requirement for the system to work properly. Save contacts, photos and documents to the cloud or to your computer, as your internal memory will be completely cleared.

• 🔋 Charge the smartphone battery to at least 60-70%, Avoid turning off at a critical moment.
• 💾 Free up space in internal memory if you use the menu update method (need to be around). 3-5 GB).
• 📱 Find out the exact device model in the Settings menu → About the phone (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro).

It is also worth checking if your Mi Account is blocked. Once you have flashed it, the system will require authorization with the last Mi Account used. If you forget the password, access to the device will only be restored through the purchase checks support.

⚠️ Warning: Attempting to install firmware from another device model (e.g., firmware from Redmi Note 8 on Redmi Note 8 Pro) is guaranteed to cause software failure and loss of warranty.

Where to download the official firmware MIUI 10

Finding the right firmware file is half the success. Xiaomi's official servers don't always keep older versions of shells open source, so you often have to go to verified archives. You need a Recovery version of firmware with the.zip extension if you plan to upgrade through the phone's menu, or a Fastboot version with the.tgz extension for the method via PC.

Global versions are marked with the letters MIUI Global, Russian versions are often part of global ones, and Chinese versions are designated China. For users from the CIS, the best choice is the global stable version.

The firmware file should weigh about 2-3 GB. If the downloaded archive is less than 100 MB, most likely, it is not a full firmware, but only a security update that is not suitable for rollback.

Method 1: Recoil through the built-in update menu (Recovery ZIP)

This is the most secure and doesn't require a computer, but it doesn't work in all cases, and it has built-in security that prevents you from installing an older version on top of the new one, and to get around this limitation, you'll need to activate the hidden developer menu in the Update app.

First, copy the downloaded firmware file.zip to the root of the smartphone’s internal memory. rename it to update.zip for convenience, although this is not always necessary. Next, go to Settings → About phone and click on the MIUI version several times (about 7-10) until the words “Additional features are activated” appear.

Now open the System Update app, click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Select firmware file." Find your update.zip file. If the system gives an error "Failure to check file" or "Impossible to update," try the following trick:

1. In the update menu, click 10 times on the MIUI logo in the center of the screen.
2. Additional functions will be added.
3. Click on three dots again – there should appear the item “Select a firmware file” (or it will become active).
4. Select the file and confirm the action.

Once you select the file, the phone will suggest you restart, the verification and installation process will begin, at which time the device may reboot several times, do not touch the screen and wait for the desktop to appear.

Method 2: Recoil via Fastboot and Mi Flash (for advanced)

If the first method didn't work, which is often due to stringent signature checks, you'll have to use Fastboot mode, USB-cable (preferably original) and installed utility Mi Flash Tool.This is the most reliable way to ensure a clean installation of the system without remnants of old files.

First, you need to turn your smartphone into Fastboot mode. Turn it off completely, then press the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time. Hold them until an image with a hare repairing an android appears and says FASTBOOT.

Connect your phone to your computer. In Windows Device Manager, the Android Bootloader Interface should appear in the USB Controllers section. If there's an exclamation point, you should install Qualcomm or ADB drivers.

Unpack the downloaded.tgz firmware archive in the root of the C disk (the path should not contain Russian letters). Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press the Refresh button - the program should see your device. Select the Clean All mode in the lower right corner. Press Flash and wait for completion. The process will take 100 to 300 seconds.

⚠️ Warning: When you select Clear All mode in the Mi Flash Tool, all data on your phone will be permanently deleted.

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Use it. USB-port located on the back of the system unit (direct to the motherboard), as the ports of the front panel can give unstable voltage, which will lead to a firmware error.

Solving errors in downgrade

During the rollback process, users often encounter various system error messages, and understanding their nature will help solve the problem quickly without panic, most often problems are related to checking the integrity of the file or locking the bootloader.

The "Can't verify update" error occurs when you try to install global firmware on a device with an unlocked bootloader, but the region in the settings is not the same, or vice-versa. In such cases, a temporary change of region in the phone settings or using the method through Fastboot helps.

If the phone went into a bootloop cycle after a rollback attempt:

• 🔄 Try to enter Recovery (Loudness Up). + Powering) and making Wipe Data/Factory Reset.
• 💻 If reset doesn’t work, use Fastboot mode and swipe the device again through Mi Flash.
• 🔓 In extreme cases, you will need to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock website.

There is also a possibility that the Face ID or fingerprint will stop working after a rollback, a rare case that is treated by flashing the stock version of MIUI 11, then unlocking the bootloader, and then installing MIUI 10.

First setup after returning to MIUI 10

Once you have successfully installed the old version of the system, you will be greeted by the initial setup screen, and since the full reset has been made, the phone will be like a new one, and it is important to set the basic parameters correctly for stable operation.

When you first start up, the system can optimize applications for a long time. This is a normal process that can take 5 to 15 minutes. Don't turn off your phone at this time. Once you load your desktop, you should check the security updates immediately, but don't update the MIUI shell itself so you don't go back to version 11.

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After a successful rollback, be sure to turn off the automatic system update in the settings, so that the phone again does not spontaneously upgrade to MIUI 11.

Restore data from your Mi Cloud backup or Google Account. Please note that some apps that have been updated for MIUI 11 may not work properly on MIUI 10, and will need to be updated via the Google Play Store to current versions compatible with your OS.